Defence Helicopters news
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AnalysisIsrael to boost CH-53K performance with package of Elbit Systems equipment updates
Elbit Systems is to provide a range of new equipment for installation in a dozen Sikorsky CH-53K heavy-lift helicopters on order for the Israeli air force.
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NewsFrench navy praises H160 as service gears up for Guepard
An early naval operator of the Airbus Helicopters H160 has praised the medium-twin for its capabilities as it awaits the arrival of the military M-model variant of the civil platform.
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NewsLeonardo targets Indian helicopter production through Adani pact
India’s Adani Defence & Aerospace is to partner with Leonardo to set up a helicopter manufacturing ecosystem in the country, potentially including final assembly facilities for the Italian firm’s AW169M and AW190 TrekkerM platforms.
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NewsUS Marine Corps’ AH-1Z Vipers to carry L3Harris Red Wolf long-range missiles
L3Harris Technologies has secured a contract to rapidly produce and deliver Red Wolf air-launched weapons to meet the US Marine Corps’ (USMC’s) Precision Attack Strike Munition (PASM) requirement.
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NewsBell targets Asia-Pacific military trainer replacement with 505
Bell is promoting its 505 light-single helicopter as a replacement for ageing military training fleets across Asia-Pacific, with the manufacturer identifying more than 50 potential opportunities in the region in the coming years.
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NewsBird Aerosystems wins Asia-Pacific helicopter self-defence contract
Israeli defence specialist Bird Aerosystems has secured a multi-million dollar contract to supply directed infrared countermeasures (DIRCM) equipment for a helicopter upgrade programme in the Asia-Pacific region, with dozens of SPREOS units to be delivered under a technology transfer agreement.
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InterviewRSAF prioritises readiness, deterrence amid evolution of warfare
The Republic of Singapore Air Force is taking a measured approach to capability enhancement, drawing lessons from current conflicts whilst maintaining its core deterrence mission. Major-General Kelvin Fan outlines the service’s modernisation plans, including F-35 integration and C-130 fleet refresh, as it balances readiness with strategic regional challenges.
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NewsIsrael eyes Apache fleet modernisation with $3.8bn AH-64E purchase plan
Israel wants to modernise its attack helicopter fleet via an order for 30 Boeing AH-64E Apaches, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency has disclosed.
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NewsRSAF to showcase Apache-F-16C combined aerial display
The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) will demonstrate a technically demanding 17-manoeuvre aerial display pairing a Boeing AH-64D Apache attack helicopter with a Lockheed Martin F-16C fighter jet at this year’s Singapore air show.
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NewsUS Navy spins up follow-on contract for COPT-R training programme
Texas-based Helicopter Institute has been awarded a follow-on contract by the US Navy for pilot training services that runs until 2030.
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NewsBoeing books orders for four more MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopters
Boeing has received a contract for four additional MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopters for the US Air Force.
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NewsUS Navy marks official retirement of TH-57 training helicopter with ‘sundown ceremony’
US Navy officials have marked the official retirement of the Bell TH-57 Sea Ranger training helicopter following its replacement by the Leonardo TH-73A Thrasher.
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NewsCollision inquiry seeks lower altitude threshold for inhibiting alerts
US investigators are recommending that the FAA evaluate reducing the altitude at which future collision-avoidance systems are inhibited, in order to offer protection closer to the ground. The recommendation has emerged from the inquiry into last year’s mid-air collision between an MHIRJ CRJ700 regional jet and a Sikorsky UH-60L military ...
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NewsNTSB simulation shows Black Hawk barely visible before fatal collision with CRJ700
A digital recreation of the fatal January 2025 collision between a PSA Airlines CRJ700 and US Army Black Hawk helicopter over Washington shows the military rotorcraft was nearly impossible to see against city lights when the crash occurred.
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NewsUK MoD accelerates Apache ‘loyal wingman’ project with release of tender and initial bidder shortlist
Bidders for a British Army project to develop an uncrewed air vehicle to fight alongside its Boeing AH-64E Apaches will need to deliver a platform capable of operating autonomously while carrying a payload above 250kg (550lb) and matching the manned aircraft’s speed and range performance.
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NewsUS Army accelerates Bell MV-75 tiltrotor fielding with first planned delivery by end-2026
The US Army has dramatically accelerated its timeline for fielding Bell’s MV-75 tiltrotor, with troops potentially to be flying the new aircraft by the end of 2026 – six years ahead of the original 2032 schedule.
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NewsDenmark touts ability of new Arctic special forces to operate anywhere in Greenland
Denmark is emphasising the capabilities of a newly formed Arctic special forces unit that can operate throughout Greenland’s demanding terrain, as Copenhagen faces increasing pressure over control of the strategic territory from US President Donald Trump.
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NewsSri Lanka air force to receive 10 ex-US Navy TH-57s
Sri Lanka’s air force will receive 10 Bell TH-57 Sea Ranger helicopters formerly operated by the US Navy, with deliveries commencing in February to bolster training and disaster response capabilities following the devastating Cyclone Ditwah.
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NewsFrench navy commits to VSR700 uncrewed helicopter with six-unit order
France has ordered six VSR700 uncrewed rotorcraft from Airbus Helicopters and Naval Group, which will be operated by the French navy from 2028.
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NewsMH-139 logs first convoy flight providing security to US Air Force nuclear missiles
The US Air Force’s Boeing MH-139 Grey Wolf has commenced operational nuclear security duties, completing its first convoy escort mission protecting intercontinental ballistic missile sites at Malmstrom AFB, Montana on 8 January.